Progress in Deutsche Bahn and EVG Negotiations Following Second Bargaining Round

In the ongoing negotiations between Deutsche Bahn and the railway union EVG, significant progress has been made following a lengthy second round of talks. While a final agreement has yet to be reached, both parties express optimism for a resolution in the upcoming week.

The negotiations took place in Berlin, where the EVG's chief negotiator announced that Deutsche Bahn has presented an improved offer. This new proposal aims to facilitate the establishment of a new collective agreement prior to the upcoming federal elections.

According to the details shared by Deutsche Bahn, the enhanced offer includes an additional payment of 1.3 percent for shift workers, effectively translating to an overall wage increase of 7.9 percent for approximately 100,000 employees. The company emphasized its commitment to recognizing the efforts of its shift workers through this revised proposal.

Moreover, the provisions discussed during these negotiations will also extend to the employees of DB Cargo, the freight transport subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, which has been facing financial challenges. The union has highlighted that there will be no unilateral termination rights for employers concerning these workers, even if the economic situation deteriorates further. Additionally, job security has been addressed as a key point during discussions.

Moving forward, the next round of negotiations, scheduled for February 12, will focus primarily on compensation issues, as more discussions are anticipated regarding the financial aspects of the agreement. The EVG continues to push for a wage increase of 7.6 percent, supplemented by an additional 2.6 percent for shift workers, with part of this amount potentially convertible into additional days off. Given the current economic difficulties faced by Deutsche Bahn, the union is also advocating for a guarantee of employment until the end of 2027.

In the initial round of negotiations held a week prior, the employers had proposed a staggered wage increase of 4 percent over a duration of 37 months, along with the requested 2.6 percent for shift workers. However, this initial offer has now been expanded.

As the negotiations progress, the EVG is currently unable to initiate warning strikes due to a peace obligation in effect until the end of March, which prohibits any labor disputes during this period.

With the next round of discussions on the horizon, both Deutsche Bahn and the EVG remain committed to finding a mutually beneficial resolution, hoping to finalize an agreement that addresses the needs of the employees while considering the financial realities of the railway operator.